Polarizing endoscopy system and method

ABSTRACT

A medical device comprising an instrument head integral to the medical device having a distal portion, a light source internal to the instrument head coupled to a first channel, a first polarizing filter positioned within the first channel of the instrument head, a second polarizing filter positioned within the second channel for receiving reflected light from the light source, the reflected light received through a sensor axially aligned with the second channel is disclosed herein. The second channel may comprise a distal opening. The second channel may be configured to restrict light from entering the second channel other than by the distal opening. The first polarizing filter may be configured to polarize light from the light source.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a polarizing system and method formedical equipment, and more specifically to a polarizing system andmethod for an otoscope.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

In general, light can be described as a transverse electromagnetic waveand thus its interaction with matter can depend on the orientation ofthe electric field vector. Such phenomena and interaction are calledpolarization effects. Various optical elements can change thepolarization of a light beam. A polarizing filter may be used to selectwhich light beams/rays are viewed by a lens. Linear Polarizing (PL) andCircular Polarizing (PL-CIR) filters may remove unwanted reflectionsfrom non-metallic surfaces such as water, glass, etc. In some cases, useof a polarizing filter may also enable colors to become more saturatedand appear clearer, with better contrast.

There exists a need for medical equipment configured to polarizes itsown light source and reflect the polarized light back into the medicaldevice. There also exists a need for the level of polarization to beadjustably controlled.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present disclosure recites medical equipment configured to polarizesits own light source and reflect the polarized light back into themedical device. The present disclosure also discloses adjustablycontrolling the polarization level.

Advantages of the present invention will become more apparent to thoseskilled in the art from the following description of the embodiments ofthe disclosure which have been shown and described by way ofillustration. As will be realized, the invention is capable of other anddifferent embodiments, and its details are capable of modification invarious respects. Accordingly, the drawing(s) and description are to beregarded as illustrative in nature and not as restrictive. Additionally,the measurements disclosed in the drawings are to be regarded asillustrative in nature and not as restrictive.

A medical device comprising an instrument head integral to the medicaldevice having a distal portion, a light source internal to theinstrument head coupled to a first channel, a first polarizing filterpositioned within the first channel of the instrument head, a secondpolarizing filter positioned within the second channel for receivingreflected light from the light source, the reflected light receivedthrough a sensor axially aligned with the second channel is disclosedherein. The second channel may comprise a distal opening. The secondchannel may be configured to restrict light from entering the secondchannel other than by the distal opening. The first polarizing filtermay be configured to polarize light from the light source.

An otoscope comprising an instrument head having a distal insertionportion, a first channel, a second channel, a light source inside theinstrument head coupled to the first channel, and an optical systemhoused within the second channel of the instrument head is describedherein. The optical system may comprise a plurality of otoscopy lenses.The optical system may comprise a first polarizing filter positionedwithin the first channel. The first polarizing filter may be configuredto polarize light from the light source, and a second polarizing filtermay be positioned within the second channel for receiving reflectedlight from the light source. The reflected light may be received througha sensor axially aligned with the second channel.

According to various embodiments, a method of polarizing light formedical examination is described herein. The method may includeproducing light from a light source within a first channel of a medicaldevice. The method may include polarizing the light produced from thelight source by a first polarizing filter. The method may includetransmitting the polarized light from the first channel from a firstradial plane. The method may include reflecting the light off a target.The method may include receiving the reflected light into a secondchannel of the medical device at the first radial plane. The method mayinclude polarizing the reflected light by a second polarizing filter andreceiving the polarizing reflected light by a lens.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 illustrates a block diagram of an embodiment of a polarizingsystem and method for medical equipment according to variousembodiments;

FIG. 2A is an isometric cross-sectional side view of the polarizingsystem and method for medical equipment of FIG. 1 according to variousembodiments;

FIG. 2B is a cross-sectional side view of the polarizing system andmethod for medical equipment along cross section;

FIG. 3 is a close up side view of a distal portion of the instrumenthead of the polarizing system and method for medical equipment accordingto various embodiments;

FIG. 4 illustrates a block diagram of a camera integral to a polarizingsystem and method according to various embodiments;

FIG. 5 illustrates an isometric side view of a polarizing systemintegral to a dermatology apparatus according to various embodiments;

FIG. 6 illustrates an isometric cross-sectional view of the dermatologyapparatus of FIG. 5 according to various embodiments; and

FIG. 7 illustrates a cross-sectional line diagram of the dermatologyapparatus of FIGS. 5 and 6 according to various embodiments.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The following descriptions are of exemplary embodiments of the inventiononly, and are not intended to limit the scope, applicability, orconfiguration of the invention in any way. Rather, the followingdescription is intended to provide convenient illustrations forimplementing different embodiments of the invention. As will becomeapparent, various changes may be made in the function and arrangement ofthe elements described in these embodiments without departing from thespirit and scope of the invention. For example, various changes may bemade in the design and arrangement of the elements described in thepreferred embodiments without departing from the scope of the inventionas set forth in the appended claims.

In general, the present disclosure provides a polarizing system for aninstrument, such as a medical instrument, and more specifically to apolarizing system comprising a camera that has an integral light sourceand integral camera lens objective. According to various embodiments,the medical instrument may be any device configured for an endoscopicand/or an endoscopy environment. These may include an otoscope, ananoscope, a proctoscope, a rectoscope, a fiberscope, and/or the like.Endoscopic environments may include, the gastrointestinal tract, therespiratory tract, the ear, the urinary tract, a reproductive system,and/or normally closed body systems (such as those accessed throughincision).

As used herein “endoscopy” is a term used to describe the inspection ofat least a part of the inside of the body. Endoscopy may be performedusing a flexible or rigid instrument called an endoscope, with a cameraand light at one end and a viewing monitor or eyepiece at the other. Theendoscope may be introduced through a natural opening, such as the mouthor anus. Images of the inside of the patient's body can be seen on ascreen. The endoscopy procedure may be recorded so that personnel mayrevisit the footage. An endoscopy may be a non-invasive medicalprocedure used for investigation or diagnosis, biopsies and foreignobject retrieval, without the need for invasive surgery.

For example, as described further herein and in accordance with variousexemplary embodiments, a system for polarizing light provided by a lightsource via a first polarizer and further polarizing reflected light by asecond polarizer, such that the provided light and the reflected lightare each directed through the first and second polarizers is disclosed.

Referring to FIG. 1, an exemplary embodiment of a polarizing system 101is shown (in block diagram form). In various embodiments, the polarizingsystem 101 may comprise an instrument head 105 integral to a medicaldevice. The instrument head 105 may comprise a distal portion 115. Thedistal portion 115 may be configured for at least partial insertion intoan orifice of a body. According to various embodiments, the polarizingsystem 101 may comprise an integral light source 110. Stated anotherway, the integral light source 110 may be internal to the instrumenthead 105. In this way, the light from light source 110 may be insulatedfrom the effects of ambient light prior to interfacing with a firstpolarizing filter 120. According to various embodiments, a medium fortransmitting light rays may be positioned between the light source 110and the first polarizing filter 120. The medium configured fortransmitting light rays may comprise a fiber-optic tube and/or pipe.

First polarizing filter 120 may be housed within instrument head 105,such as within a first channel 125. For instance, the light from lightsource 110 and/or the first polarizing filter 120 may be housed withinfirst channel 125. The light from light source 110 may pass throughfirst polarizing filter 120 and exit a distal portion 115 via a firstaperture 130 of instrument head 105. Stated another way, first aperture130 may be coupled to and represent an end of first channel 125. Firstchannel 125 may shroud ambient light from passing through firstpolarizing filter 120. Specifically, first channel 125 may shroudambient light from passing from a first side of first polarizing filter120 to a second side of first polarizing filter 120, where the firstside of the first polarizing filter 120 is nearer to light source 110 ascompared with a second side of first polarizing filter 120.

After passing through first polarizing filter 120, the polarized lightgenerated via light source 110, may exit a distal portion of 115 ofinstrument head 105, such as via first aperture 130. The polarized lightmay travel in path 135 to a reflecting surface. The polarized light mayilluminate a reflecting surface 135 and/or be reflected off of thereflecting surface 135. The reflecting surface 135 may be an inspectionsurface. The reflected polarized light may travel in path 137 fromreflecting surface to a second aperture 140 housed within instrumenthead 105, such as within a second channel 145. The reflected polarizedlight may pass through a second polarizing filter 150. Second polarizingfilter 150 and/or channel 145 may be coupled to an adjustment mechanism155. Adjustment mechanism 155 may be configured to adjust thepolarization of second polarizing filter 150. Adjustment mechanism 155may be configured to adjust the axis of the second polarization filter150. Stated another way, the second polarizing filter 150 is rotatablyadjustable relative to the first polarizing filter 120 to alter thepolarity of the received reflected light. For instance, adjustmentmechanism 155 may be adjustable via manual and/or electronicmanipulation. The reflected polarized light that has passed throughsecond polarizing filter 150 is delivered to a lens and/or sensor 160.According to various embodiments, (not shown) the reflected polarizedlight that has passed through second polarizing filter 150 is deliveredvia fiber optics. Lens and/or sensor 160 may be in axial alignment withthe second channel 145. Lens and/or sensor 160 may be a digital stillcamera lens and/or a digital video camera lens. In various embodiments,first channel 125 is isolated from second channel 145. Stated anotherway, the second channel 145 may be configured to restrict light fromentering the second channel 145 other than by the second aperture 140 inthe distal portion 115 of instrument head 105. The first channel 125 maybe concentric with the second channel 145. The first polarization filter120 and the second polarizing filter 150 may be linear or circularpolarizing filters. A derm hood, such as a specula, may be removablycoupled to the instrument head 105 and configured to protect at leastthe distal portion 115 from contact with foreign bodies.

In an exemplary embodiment and with reference to FIGS. 2A and 2B anotoscope 201 comprising polarizing system 101 is disclosed. As describedherein, the Otoscopy is a category of the endoscopy art specificallydirected to the examination of the external canal of the ear and themembranes thereof, namely, the tympanic membrane or eardrum.

With continued reference to FIGS. 2A and 2B, otoscope 201 may comprisean instrument head 205. The instrument head 205 may comprise a distalinsertion portion 215. The distal portion 215 may be configured for atleast partial insertion into an orifice of a body, such as the earcanal. According to various embodiments, otoscope 201 may comprise anintegral light source 210, such as one or more LED light sources. TheLED light sources may comprise a color temperature between about 3300Kand 3800K. Light source 210, (e.g., LED light sources) may be internalto and/or integral to the instrument head 205. Light source 210 may bein communication with a first polarizing filter 220. According tovarious embodiments, a medium for transmitting light rays may bepositioned between the light source 210 and the first polarizing filter220. The medium configured for transmitting light rays may comprise afiber-optic tube 227 and/or pipe. This fiber-optic tube 227 and/or pipemay span all or a portion of a channel 225. In this way, the fiber-optictube 227 may be configured to transmit the light from light source 210in a non-linear path to first polarizing filter 220 and/or a firstaperture 230.

First polarizing filter 220 may be housed within instrument head 205,such as within first channel 225. According to various embodiments,first polarizing filter 220 may comprise a polarized film applied to theend of the fiber-optic tube 227 within channel 225. In this way, thelight from light source 210 may be transmitted as near the object underinspection as possible. Stated another way, the light from light source210 may be transmitted to the distal portion 215 of instrument head 105within the fiber-optic tube 227 and pass through aperture 215.

According to various embodiments and with continued reference to FIGS.2A and 2B, the first polarizing filter 220, may be housed within firstchannel 225. The light from light source 210 may pass through firstpolarizing filter 220 and exit a distal portion 215 of instrument head205 via a first aperture 230. First channel 225 may shroud ambient lightfrom passing through first polarizing filter 220. Specifically, firstchannel 225 may shroud ambient light from passing from a first side offirst polarizing filter 220 to a second side of first polarizing filter220. As mentioned above, the first side of the first polarizing filter220 may be nearer to light source 210 as compared with a second side offirst polarizing filter 220.

After passing through first polarizing filter 220, the polarized lightgenerated via light source 210 may exit a distal portion of 215 ofinstrument head 205 via first aperture 230. With brief reference to FIG.3, the polarized light may travel in path 233 to a reflecting surface.The polarized light may be reflected off of a reflecting surface 335,such as an inspection surface of the ear. The reflected polarized lightmay travel in path 237 from reflecting surface to a second aperture 240housed within instrument head 205, such as within a second channel 245.The reflected polarized light may pass through a second polarizingfilter 250. The reflected polarized light that passes through the secondpolarizing filter 250 polarizes the light being reflected back from theobject under inspection. Also, light that passes through second aperture240 is polarized by the second polarizing filter 250. Second polarizingfilter 250 and/or channel 245 may be coupled to an adjustment mechanism255. Adjustment mechanism 255 may be configured to adjust thepolarization of second polarizing filter 250. Adjustment mechanism 255may be configured to adjust the axis of the second polarization filter250. Stated another way, the second polarizing filter 250 is rotatablyadjustable relative to the first polarizing filter 220 to alter thepolarity of the received reflected light. For instance, adjustmentmechanism 255 may be adjustable via manual and/or electronicmanipulation. Adjustment mechanism 255 may be a hand control ringconfigured to rotate the axis of the second polarizing filter 250 and/orlens. The reflected polarized light that has passed through secondpolarizing filter 250 is delivered to a lens, eyepiece, window and/orsensor 260. Lens, eyepiece, and/or sensor 260 may be in axial alignmentwith the second channel 245. Lens and/or sensor 260 may be a digitalstill camera lens and/or a digital video camera lens. In variousembodiments, first channel 225 is isolated from second channel 245.Stated another way, the second channel 245 may be configured to restrictlight from entering the second channel 245 other than by the secondaperture 240 in the distal portion 215 of instrument head 205. The firstchannel 225 may be concentric with the second channel 245. The firstpolarization filter 220 and the second polarizing filter 250 may belinear or circular polarizing filters.

The instrument head 205 is configured to provide structural support forat least the various polarizing system 101 elements. Though it may beany suitable shape, in an embodiment, the exterior surface of otoscope201 is generally conical. In this way, an interior cavity, such as achannel 245 of otoscope 201 gradually increases from the end a distalportion 215 to an opposite end. In this way, the instrument head 205tapers in diameter from a proximate portion to the insertion distalportion 215. Stated another way, the second channel 245 tapers indiameter from a proximate portion to a distal portion. A distal end ofthe first channel 225 and an end adjacent to aperture 240 of the secondchannel 245 may comprise a generally common end plane.

With renewed reference to FIGS. 2A and 2B, otoscope 201 may comprise aplurality of otoscopy lenses, such as lenses 265, 270, 275, 280. Theotoscopy lenses 265, 270, 275, 280 may be housed within channel 245. Theotoscopy lenses 265, 270, 275, 280 may be in axial alignment with secondpolarizing filter 250 and/or sensor 260. Otoscope 201 may comprise afilter 290, such as a cut-off filter, (e.g., such as a cut off betweenabout 630 nM and about 695 nM, for instance about an 645 nM cut-offfilter.)

According to various embodiments and with continued reference to FIGS.2A and 2B, the first channel 225 and the second channel 245 may begenerally concentric. Additionally, the first polarizing filter 220 maybe concentric to and positioned within the same plane as an otoscopylens of the plurality of otoscopy lenses 265, 270, 275, 280. The firstpolarizing filter 220 may be concentric to the second channel 245. Anouter wall of at least one of the first channel 225 and/or the secondchannel 245 is configured to block light from the light source frompassing through an otoscopy lens of the plurality of otoscopy lenses265, 270, 275, 280.

Otoscope 201 may comprise surface features to aid in positioningpolarizing otoscope 201 and/or the polarizing system 101. For instance,an external surface of otoscope 201 may be marked with one or moresurface markings, such as an arrow or line to indicate 0 axis position,to aim otoscope 201 and/or an associated camera. Otoscope 201 may alsocomprise surface features to aid positioning second polarizing filter250. For instance, the hand control ring of otoscope 201 may be markedwith one or more surface markings such that a user may be able to selectand note a preferred polarization setting. For instance, these surfacemarkings may include dashes at regular intervals with associatedcharacters, such as numbers, to indicate degrees from the 0 axisposition. Polarizing filters described herein may be any desiredpolarizing filters. For instance, the polarizing filters describedherein may be a linear polarizing filter, a circular polarizing filter,or a reflecting polarizing filter. The linear polarizing filter may bedichroic. In its broadest sense the term dichroism may refer to theselective absorption of one of the two orthogonal components of anincident beam of light. The polarizing filter may be impregnated with acompound which makes the molecules conductive so they absorb light whoseelectric field is parallel to the molecular chains. The resultantpolarizing filter blocks waves with electric fields along the molecularaxes, and passes waves with perpendicular electric fields. The output isa beam which is linearly polarized along the preferred axis.

Metering and auto-focus sensors in certain cameras, including virtuallyall auto-focus single lens reflect cameras, may not work properly with alinear polarizer because the beam splitters used to split off the lightfor focusing and metering are polarization-dependent. A circularpolarizer may include a linear polarizer on the front, which selects onepolarization of light while rejecting another, followed by a quarterwave plate, which converts the selected polarization to circularlypolarized light inside the camera, which works with most all types ofcameras, because mirrors and beam-splitters split circularly polarizedlight the same way they split unpolarized light.

The first polarizing filter 220 may be oriented in any suitableorientation, such as with the 0 axis of the polarizing filter directedto the top of otoscope 201 (e.g., twelve o'clock). Alternatively, firstpolarizing filter 220 may be oriented to optimally interact withknown/or measured properties of the provided light source 210.

The polarizing filters described herein may be optimized based on thetype of light source. For instance, a polarizing filter for white light(about 560 nm) may not be as efficient as for other light sources suchas blue (480 nm), green (560 nm), and/or red (660 nm). The polarizingfilters described herein may comprise a multi-resistance coating, tohelp prevent scratches and repel dirt and water. This coating may alsoreduce flare and ghosting at the filter surface. The polarizing filtermay be a neutral polarization filter with weather and/or dust sealing.

The adjustment mechanism 255 may be manually rotated about the centeraxis of otoscope 201. Stated another way, in an embodiment, secondpolarizing filter 250 may be rotated with respect to the objective oflens 260. This rotation may allow a user to select a preferable level ofpolarization. Adjustment mechanism 255 may comprise a surface featuresuch as a tab or marking to align second polarizing filter 250 in apreferable orientation. The intensity of the reflected light may beadjusted by rotating second polarizing filter 250 via adjustmentmechanism 255. Though second polarizing filter 250 and/or adjustmentmechanism 255 are depicted as being manually adjusted, it should beappreciated that second polarizing filter 250 and/or adjustmentmechanism 255 may be mechanically and/or automatically rotated inresponse to electrical control signaling from a controller. It shouldalso be appreciated, that in accordance with Brewster's law, at acertain orientation of rotational polarizing filter 250 substantiallyall light may be absorbed by polarizing filter 250.

With reference to FIG. 3, the otoscope 201 may be directed towards anobject of interest 235, (in this case, a surface of an ear). Light fromlight source 210 (with brief reference to FIG. 2B), such as an integrallight source, may be communicated down channel 225, such as viafiber-optic tube 227. The light may be directed through the firstpolarizing filter 220 coupled to and/or in communication with viafiber-optic tube 227. First polarizing filter 220 polarizes the providedlight to create controlled beams/rays of light to illuminate a targetobject with polarized light. Using polarized light, the details of aspecimen and/or object being illuminated, including its color,composition and structure which are normally invisible or difficult todiscern using non-polarized light may be apparent. The first polarizingfilter 220 may be located at the end of channel 225. In this way,polarized light 233 may exit polarizing filter 220 and substantiallysimultaneously exit otoscope 201. The polarized light 233 illuminatesthe object of interest 235.

The polarized light 233 is configured to be at least partially reflectedfrom the object of interest 235 and back to otoscope 201. The reflectedlight 237 is directed through a second aperture 240 which may becollocated with an otoscope lens, such as lens 265. The polarizedreflected light 237 is directed down channel 245 towards secondpolarizing filter 250 and/or sensor 260. With renewed reference to FIG.2B, the polarized reflected light 237 passes through second polarizingfilter 250 and is polarized a preferred amount based on the orientationof adjustment mechanism 255. The polarized reflected light 237 iscaptured by an integral sensor 260. Optionally, a user may adjust thedesired polarization level of the reflected light 237 by rotating secondpolarizing filter 250 a desired amount by manipulating adjustmentmechanism 255. In various embodiments, rotational second polarizingfilter 250 may be locked in a preferred orientation via adjustmentmechanism 255.

Sensor 260 may comprise a sensor and/or lens of a camera. The camera maybe a small, integral, high-resolution examination camera. This cameramay be used in the medical and life science fields. Polarization inspectral topography can vastly improve histopathological studies. Thecamera may be durable, light-weight, easy-to-use, includes a snap-shotcapability and is freeze-frame ready. The camera can interface directlyinto any number of analog or digital video processing devices as needed.

The block diagram 400 of FIG. 4 includes an examination video camera 401comprising an optical sensor assembly (e.g., a sensor 460). Sensor 460may be coupled to a processor 430 and/or a memory 420. The connectionmay be wired, optical, or wireless. The connection provides datacommunication and, optionally, power to and from camera 401. Sensor 460of camera 401 may be axially aligned with one or more otoscope lens ofotoscope 201. Camera 401 may be integral to otoscope 201. Lightreflected from a reflecting surface 235 is received and processed bysensor 460 and may be transmitted to a video capture and/or processingcomponent 470.

According to various embodiments and with reference to FIG. 4, videocamera 401 described herein may be may be coupled to a computing device(e.g., processor 430) and an associated memory 420. Memory 420 maycomprise an article of manufacture including a tangible, non-transitorycomputer-readable storage medium having instructions stored thereonthat, in response to execution by a computing device (e.g., processor430), cause the computing device to perform various methods. Thecomputer-based system may be operatively coupled to a display 485. Thecomputer-based system may be operatively coupled to a receiver 470and/or transmitter 465 for the transfer of data, such as over a network480.

Light source 220 or another desired light source can produce visible ornon-visible light having any desired wavelength, including, for example,visible colors, ultraviolet light, or infrared light. The light source220 can produce different wavelengths of light and permit each differentwavelength to be used standing alone or in combination with one or moreother wavelengths of light. The light source can permit the brightnessof the light produced to be adjusted. For example, the light source cancomprise 395 nM (UV), 860 nM (NIR), and white LEDs and can operated atseveral brightness levels such that a health care provider can switchfrom white light to a “woods” lamp environment at the touch of a controlbutton on the camera 401. The light source, or desired portions thereof,can be turned on and off while camera 401 is utilized to examine atarget. In some instances, it may be desirable to depend on the ambientlight and to not produce light using a light source mounted in camera401. In which case reflected light 237 comprises ambient light and/orlight from other than the light source 220.

According to various embodiments and with reference to FIGS. 5-7, adermatology apparatus 500 having an integral polarizing system isdisclosed. Dermatology apparatus 500 may comprise an adjustmentmechanism 555 which is configured to adjust the polarization of apolarizing filter, such as second polarizing filter 650.

With continued reference to FIGS. 5 through 7 dermatology apparatus 500may comprise a distal inspection lens 635. The distal inspection lens635 may be placed near and/or on a portion of a body, such on the skinof a patient. According to various embodiments, dermatology apparatus500 may comprise an integral light source 610, such as one or more LEDlight sources. Light source 610, (e.g., LED light sources) may beinternal to and/or integral to the dermatology apparatus 500. Lightsource 610 may be in communication with a first polarizing filter 620.Light passing through first polarizing filter 620 may pass through aportion of a channel 625. Light may pass through channel 625 and exit afirst aperture 630. First aperture 630 may be in communication withand/or collated with a portion of distal inspection lens 635, such asthe outer perimeter of distal inspection lens 635.

According to various embodiments and with continued reference to FIGS. 5through 7, the first polarizing filter 620 may be housed within firstchannel 625. The light from light source 610 may pass through firstpolarizing filter 620 and exit a distal inspection lens 635 via a firstaperture 230. First channel 625 may shroud ambient light from passingthrough first polarizing filter 620. Specifically, first channel 625 mayshroud ambient light from passing from a first side of first polarizingfilter 620 to a second side of first polarizing filter 620. As mentionedabove, the first side of the first polarizing filter 620 may be nearerto light source 610 as compared with a second side of first polarizingfilter 620.

After passing through first polarizing filter 620, the polarized lightgenerated via light source 610 may exit aperture 630. The polarizedlight may travel in a path to a reflecting surface after exiting distalinspection lens 635 and/or first channel 625. The polarized light may bereflected off of a reflecting surface. The reflected polarized light maytravel in path from reflecting surface to a second aperture 640 housedwithin dermatology apparatus, such as within a second channel 645.Second aperture 640 may be collocated with a portion of inspection lens635. The reflected polarized light may pass through a second polarizingfilter 650. The reflected polarized light that passes through the secondpolarizing filter 650 polarizes the light being reflected back from theobject under inspection. Also, light that passes through second aperture640 is polarized by the second polarizing filter 650. Second polarizingfilter 650 and/or channel 645 may be coupled to an adjustment mechanism555. Adjustment mechanism 555 may be configured to adjust thepolarization of second polarizing filter 650. Adjustment mechanism 555may be configured to adjust the axis of the second polarization filter650. Stated another way, the second polarizing filter 650 is rotatablyadjustable relative to the first polarizing filter 620 to alter thepolarity of the received reflected light. For instance, adjustmentmechanism 555 may be adjustable via manual and/or electronicmanipulation. Adjustment mechanism 555 may be a hand control ringconfigured to rotate the axis of the second polarizing filter 650 and/orlens. The reflected polarized light that has passed through secondpolarizing filter 650 is delivered to a lens, eyepiece, window and/orsensor 660. Lens and/or sensor 660 may be a digital still camera lensand/or a digital video camera lens. In various embodiments, firstchannel 625 is isolated from second channel 645. Stated another way, thesecond channel 645 may be configured to restrict light from entering thesecond channel 645 other than by the second aperture 640. The firstchannel 625 may be concentric with the second channel 645. The firstpolarization filter 620 and the second polarizing filter 650 may belinear or circular polarizing filters.

While preferred embodiments of the present invention have beendescribed, it should be understood that the present invention is not solimited and modifications may be made without departing from the presentinvention. The scope of the present invention is defined by the appendedclaims, and all devices, process, and methods that come within themeaning of the claims, either literally or by equivalence, are intendedto be embraced therein.

1. An otoscope comprising: an instrument head having a distal insertionportion and a first channel and a second channel; a light source insidethe instrument head coupled to the first channel; an optical systemhoused within the second channel of the instrument head, said opticalsystem comprising a plurality of otoscopy lenses; a first polarizingfilter positioned within the first channel, wherein the first polarizingfilter is configured to polarize light from the light source; and asecond polarizing filter positioned within the second channel forreceiving reflected light from the light source, the reflected lightreceived through a sensor axially aligned with the second channel. 2.The otoscope of claim 1, wherein the second channel is configured toblock ambient light from illuminating the sensor.
 3. The otoscope ofclaim 1, wherein the first channel and the second channel areconcentric.
 4. The otoscope of claim 1, further comprising a fiber-opticcable positioned within the first channel between the light source andthe first polarizing filter.
 5. The otoscope of claim 1, wherein thefirst polarizing filter is concentric to and positioned within the sameplane as an otoscopy lens of the plurality of otoscopy lenses.
 6. Theotoscope of claim 1, wherein an outer wall of the second channel isconfigured to block light from the light source from passing through anotoscopy lens of the plurality of otoscopy lenses.
 7. The otoscope ofclaim 1, further comprising a control ring configured to adjust the axisof the second polarizing filter.
 8. The otoscope of claim 7, wherein thecontrol ring is configured for manual manipulation.
 9. The otoscope ofclaim 1, wherein the instrument head tapers in diameter from a proximateportion to the distal insertion portion.
 10. The otoscope of claim 1,wherein the second channel tapers in diameter from a proximate portionto a distal portion.
 11. The otoscope of claim 1, wherein the firstpolarizing filter is concentric to the second channel.
 12. The otoscopeof claim 1, wherein the first polarizing filter and the secondpolarizing filter are linear polarizing filters.
 13. The otoscope ofclaim 1, wherein the second polarizing filter is rotatably adjustablerelative to the first polarizing filter to alter the polarity of thereceived reflected light.
 14. The otoscope of claim 1, wherein the lensis at least one of a digital still camera lens or a digital video cameralens.
 15. The otoscope of claim 1, wherein a derm hood is removablycoupled to the instrument head and configured to protect the distalinsertion portion from contact with foreign bodies.
 16. The otoscope ofclaim 1, wherein a distal end of the first channel and a distal end ofthe second channel comprise a common end plane.
 17. An otoscopecomprising: a housing having a first channel and a second channel; alight source coupled to the first channel; an optical system housedwithin the second channel, said optical system comprising a plurality ofotoscopy lenses; a first polarizing filter positioned within the firstchannel, wherein the first polarizing filter is configured to polarizelight from the light source; and a second polarizing filter positionedwithin the second channel for receiving reflected light from the lightsource, the reflected light received through a sensor axially alignedwith the second channel, wherein a distal end of the first channel and adistal end of the second channel comprise a common radial plane.
 18. Theotoscope of claim 17, further comprising a control ring configured toadjust the axis of the second polarizing filter.
 19. The otoscope ofclaim 17, wherein the first polarizing filter is concentric to andpositioned within the same plane as an otoscopy lens of the plurality ofotoscopy lenses.
 20. A method of polarizing light for medicalexamination; producing light from a light source within a first channelof a medical device; polarizing the light produced from the light sourceby a first polarizing filter; transmitting the polarized light from thefirst channel from a first radial plane; reflecting the light off atarget; receiving the reflected light into a second channel of themedical device at the first radial plane; polarizing the reflected lightby a second polarizing filter; and receiving the polarizing reflectedlight by a lens.